The internet can be a dark place, so it's little wonder that when the online community comes across uplifting stories of generosity and kindness, they're quickly shared and celebrated across the web.

A Facebook post by a café in Cohoes, New York, is rapidly gathering shares and likes after revealing a regular customer left a sweet note on a receipt (and a generous tip) for her server after having sadly lost a friend.

The scribbled message, which you can see below, implored Becky Nielsen to use the extra cash to “enjoy a night with someone you love”.

The café, The Breakfast Spot, captioned the image: “This is the kind of stuff you only read online, but it happened this morning in our restaurant from a loyal customer.

“Congratulations to our server Becky, and a big special thanks to our customer's generosity.”

Nielsen shared the note on her personal Facebook account too, reflecting on the customer's grief, saying: “A young woman left this tip for me today and I've been on the verge of tears ever since. Her friend must have been a lovely person to inspire generosity in the wake of tragedy. Go hug your friends, everyone.”

After news coverage and hundreds of shares, the restaurant has said confirmed they won't be naming the customer, who left a tip of $77.92 (approximately £53).